Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a sex education program in the acquisition of knowledge about contraceptive methods and emergency contraception, as well as in changing attitudes to condom use.
Material and methods: A quasi-experimental controlled study was conducted in 481 students in the first year of higher secondary education in centers with no sex education programs. The intervention was based on five theoretical and practical 50-minute lectures on the use of contraceptive methods and emergency contraception. The assessment was conducted through a self-administered questionnaire with closed questions, administered on three separate occasions (before the intervention, at 1 month and 6 months later). The statistical analysis was performed by intention-to-treat.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 16.85 years (95% CI: 16.77-16.93), and 29.1% (140) had maintained sexual relations. A homogeneous distribution was observed in the control variables and a statistically significant association was found between the intervention and increased knowledge about contraceptive methods, especially in knowledge about the post-coital pill (PCP). A statistically significant improvement was also found in changes in attitudes to the use of condoms and PCP in favor of the intervention group.
Conclusions: The educational intervention was effective in increasing knowledge about contraceptive methods and the use of the PCP. Attitudes to condom use and rational use of the PCP also improved, both the first month and at 6 months after the intervention.